Govind Patel

Govind Patel, a Georgia businessman who is competing as a Democrat for the U.S. Senate from the seat being vacated by retiring Senator Zell Miller, believes outsourcing is a blight on the economy and a major reason for his seeking the office. There are nine Democrats and four Republicans running for this seat at last count.

“Something needs to be done before this situation gets worse. Outsourcing is the major economic drain that should be fixed –– especially when the jobs are so hard to come by,” says Patel, who was born and raised in India and came to this country in 1971 and became a citizen in 1980.

Outsourcing also seems to be a major concern for other long-shot Democratic candidates trying out the political waters

A Lilburn County businessman in the hospitality industry for many years and now a commercial real estate broker serving the industry, Patel sounds like a national security hawk.

“Although I sincerely believe the United States is the best country in the world, the threat to our nation is increasing faster than the security measures we have implemented since 9/11. Specifically, our government’s lack of response to the huge influx of uneducated immigrants illegally entering our country has, in my opinion, dampened our advances in national security,” the Lilburn County businessman says.

“Somehow they all need to be documented and issued a temporary work permit so they can pay taxes –– just like all Americans. In other words, those immigrants can contribute a large sum to our tax base, thereby helping to run our government, as opposed to them enjoying the benefits and services provided by governmental agencies –– which is unfair to hard-working, law-abiding citizens,” says Patel.

Patel has a master’s degree in electronics and has lived in Lilburn since 1986 with his wife Madhu.

He has two children –– daughter Rita and son Manish. Patel says he is a firm believer in education, helping the underprivileged and employment security among others.

He is the president and broker of MGR International Realty, Lilburn.